5 December 2015

Gorsedd Grucyn

1841 saw agricultural labourer Owen Jones, 42 married to
Elizabeth 41 living at Gorsedd. They had three daughters Gwen 10, Hanah 7, and
Elinor 4. Jane Davies was their 55 year old servant.

David Davies 39 of Llanwrog and his wife Catherine 32 of
Llanfair, were there for next two censuses in 1851 and 1861. There were no
children present in either periods, but nephew Price Williams 4 of Llanbibley
was there (named Pierce in 1861) as a cowman aged 14 in the latter. Robert
Jones 27 of Llanrwst was a farm labourer, and Jane Williams 15 a house servant
of Llanrug in 1851, but they had moved on ten years later as Jane Thomas 19 of
Llanrwst was there as the dairymaid.

1871 recorded Owen Williams family at Gorsedd Grucyn.

Owen Williams 31, born Trewydr formerly lived at Tan Y Graig in
1841 with wife Gwen 29 and daughters Margaret 7 and Catherine 1. Wife and all
children are recorded as born in Llanrwst in all censuses.

By 1851 Owen 41, farming 67 acres of land and Gwen 39, who was
named Winifred on the census, kept home for Margaret, 17, Ann 8, William 7,
Jane 4 and Thomas 1. Catherine 11 was not at Tan y Graig then.

In 1861 Owen and Gwen’s family at Tan y Graig consisted of
Catherine 21, a house servant at home, Ann 18, a dressmaker, Jane 13, Thomas 11
and Hannah aged 4.

Before 1866, Owen and his family moved to Gorsedd, where he
farmed 67 acres. The census for 1871 shows him aged 61 with wife again called
Winifred 59, with his family of Thomas Williams 21 (also known as Grucyn the
bard), Robert 19, Jane 23 married with a daughter Winifred 1, daughter Anne
Owen 28, also married with a daughter Winfred 2 who was born in Ffestiniog, and
a granddaughter Hannah Williams 14. Hannah died aged 23 and was buried on the
15th December 1879. Owen also had an infant son (name not known), who died aged
14 months and was buried on June 20th 1872.

Daughter Jane would eventually move to Bryniog, Grove Park,
Colwyn Bay, where she died on January 14th 1916 as Mrs Jane Edwards aged 68. A
poetical tribute was written in her memory by brother Thomas Williams ‘Grucyn’,
and appears in the ‘Penillion Thomas Williams’ Link on this website, recalling
their Tan Y Graig days.

1881 showed Owen aged 75 at Gorsedd with wife Winifred 69, sons
Thomas 31 and Robert 29 both recorded as farmers. Granddaughter Winifred Jones
12 remained there (mother Jane not in residence) and grandson Thomas John
Williams 1. Anne Jones 20 of Dolwyddelan, worked as a dairymaid. Daughter Anne
who was at Gorsedd in 1871 is, 10 years later, recorded as living with her
husband William Owen 38, born Trewydr, at Tanrallt, Llanrwst with children
Winifred 12 and Thomas J. 3, both born in Ffestiniog and Hannah 7 months, born
Trewydr. William’s occupation is described as an engine driver, stationary at
Rhos Quarry, Capel Curig.

Owen Williams died aged 80 and was buried on the 8th December
1889 at Capel Seion, Llanrwst.

In 1891 Thomas Williams 41, was head of Gorsedd, following the
death of his father, with his mother, now called Gwen, aged 80. Working there
was a 21 year old dairymaid from Dolwyddelan, Jane Jones – she would marry
Thomas. Farm servant David Jones 17 of Dolwyddelan and John Jones 16, a
labourer, also worked there. Nephew Thomas John Williams 11 was still in
residence, but died aged 16 and was buried on September 29th 1896.

1901 and Thomas Williams, 51 had living with him, his wife Jane
31, 20 years his junior. Their family at the time consisted of Owen 8, Humphrey
7, Robert John 6, Winifred 4, Hannah 2 and 8 month old Jane. She died and was
buried on November 3 1922 aged 23. Thomas and Jane also had an infant son
Thomas 3, who died and was buried on August 8th 1896.

Thomas’ mother Gwen, at a ripe old age of 91, was also there.
She died aged 94 and was buried on the 24th February 1904. All spoke Welsh.

HISTORY OF THE FAMILY AFTER 1901

After 1901 – what happened to the family?

Owen a farmer, later lived at Ty Hwnt i’r Afon, Gwytherin – he
never married.

Humphrey, or Wmffra married Ellen and lived at Railway Terrace,
Llanrwst.

Bob continued to farm Gorsedd and died in 1975 – he remained a
bachelor.

Winifred married Idwal Glyn Davies, and lived in Llanrwst,
Hannah married Peter Williams, and lived at Ty’n y Bryn, Nant y Rhiw and later
Hafoty Gwyn, Pentrefoelas, and Jane remained unmarried and had a daughter Annie
Gwenfron around 1919.

Twins Mair and Joseph were yet to be born.

Thomas and Jane also had another two sets of twins who were
still-born.

Thomas Williams died on the 21st November 1923 aged 74.

Sadly, he lies in an unmarked plot at Capel Seion, Llanrwst. He
is buried with his parents Owen and Gwen, an unnamed brother, children Hannah,
Thomas, Jane, and nephew Thomas John.

Above: Taken at the time of W O Davies' marriage to Jean Davies,
a shot of Mair, Sally, Mrs Jane Williams, Hannah and Annie in 1951.

Wife Jane who died on the 14th April 1953, aged 83, is buried at
Cae Melwr Cemetery, there being no room for her to rest with her husband at
Capel Seion.

Jane's original headstone bore the name of Thomas Williams, but
his name was removed when the latest stone was placed there, as Thomas was not
buried there.

Buried with her are sons Robert John Williams who died May 11th
1975 aged 80, Joseph Williams who passed away December 21 1991 aged 80 and
Annie Gwenfron Davies, died October 15, 1987 aged 68.

Jane Jones was allegedly born on a mountain path near
Dolwyddelen around 1870. Her birth was never registered. Somerset House
accepted that Jane was 60 (for pension purposes) because they accepted that she
was the same age as Mrs Evans Fronwen!

She is thought to have been the daughter of David Jones, a
blacksmith in Dolwyddelen, but I have been unable to confirm this. She lived at
one time in Tan Yr Eglwys, Dolwyddelen.

OBITUARY OF JANE WILLIAMS (NEE JONES)

Jane's obituary reads:

Mrs Jane Williams of Gorsedd Grycun, Nant y Rhiw, Llanrwst who
died on Tuesday week, was the mother of 17 children.

The ten surviving sons and daughters together with some of Mrs
Williams’ 26 grandchildren and her four great-grandchildren were among the relatives
and friends who attended a short service at the farmhouse on Saturday.
Interment was at the public cemetery Llanrwst.

Mrs Williams was a native of Dolwyddelan, but had lived at
Gorsedd Grycun for nearly 70 years. She was a member of Nant y Rhiw
Congregational Chapel. Her husband, Thomas Williams (Grucyn), died 30 years
ago. He was a well-known local bard whose elegiac poems gained him considerable
repute.

The service at the house was conducted by the Rev. Byron Hughes,
Melin Y Coed, and at the graveside by the Revs Byron Hughes, Enoc T. Davies and
W.E. Thomas.

Finally, twins Joseph and Mair appeared on S4C television
shortly before Jo died 1991. They had been invited by Ysgol Gynradd, Llanrwst
to attend their school Christmas Nativity play as their names were very fitting
for the occasion.

Jo recalled his mother Jane making ‘tymblan pwdin’ which was
‘gwerth chweil’. She said that bringing up the twins was no trouble at all, and
his mother was in her element having the family around her, particularly on
Sundays. Jo and Mair recalled their Christmas presents as children being a pair
of socks, an apple and an orange each. Jo was the youngest of his generation in
the family - a generation the likes of which we shall, sadly, never see again.

(Thanks to Ken for the above information.)

THOMAS WILLIAMS GORSEDD GRUCYN (by Rowena Evans)

Some years ago the local community paper "Yr Odyn"
carried an article in Welsh about Thomas Williams, written by Dafydd Evans who
at one time lived at Plas Matw and was at school at the same time as Thomas
Williams' children.

Although Thomas Williams had limited formal education, he read
and wrote Welsh well, and read every Welsh periodical he could, such as "Y
Faner", "The Banner". To read the big papers of the day opened
wide he had to hold them at arms' length, and in the evening hold a candle with
one hand at the same time.

Above: Thomas Williams, Gorsedd Grucyn, in Llanrwst.

His memory was exceptional and he contributed regularly to the
Welsh journals himself as a poet, composing memorial verses about people he
knew. His Bible was ever close to hand, and he remembered what he read. After
hearing a sermon, he would be able to repeat it to someone else during the
week. His daughter Winnie was the mother of poet T. Glynne Davies, who won the
Crown in the 1951 National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst.

Above: Jane Williams and Ynyr

Doing the shopping in Llanrwst meant not only riding his pony to
town, but actually riding it into E.B. Jones' shop to pick up his supplies. He
would ride home with a sack slung across the pony's back in front of him, bread
at one end and groceries at the other end.

Farming was his life. He tilled the land to grow oats, barley,
potatoes, and swedes for the family and animals. The roads then were such that
a threshing machine could not be taken to Gorsedd, so Thomas Williams threshed
it himself, and was an expert at the task. His oats were clean enough to take
to the Gwytherin mill, where it was turned into oatmeal. This was a staple food
in the region in those days, and was used to make "brwas", shot,
porridge and flummery (sour oatmeal boiled and jellied). A pig supplied the
family with bacon.

Above: Gorsedd Grucyn

At one time local families were discussing the possibility of
building a school in Nant y Rhiw, and the likelihood of there not being enough
pupils. "You build the school," Thomas Williams declared, "and I
will see you have pupils." He kept his promise and twins Joseph and Mair ,
Ynyr, Emrys and Bob Williams attended the Nant y Rhiw School along with the
children of Nant y Rhiw. (See the school photos on the "Groups"
page.) The Williams boys used to call William Evans of Fronwen "dewyrth",
uncle, though the exact relationship is not clear at present. They used to walk
to Nant-y-Rhiw chapel all the way from Gorsedd Grucyn via Fronwen.

Oats were also used to make oatcakes, as seen above in this
photograph of Sarah Olwen Jackson in Gorsedd Grycun. After cooking, the
oatcakes were dried out near the fire.

Above: The final resting place of Sarah Olwen and her husband
Howell Jackson.

Many thanks to Rhianwen Roberts, Mair's daughter, for the above
family information.

Gorsedd Grycun from the top road looking south west.

In 1928 Mair married Robert David Roberts, the son of Cadwaladr
Roberts of Foty Gerrig, Siloam, the brother of Ellen Ann Evans of Fronwen. They
lived at Maes Madog, Capel Garmon.

Above: Wedding of Robert David Roberts and Mair Williams 1928

Above: Ynyr Phillip Williams at Fronwen in the 20s or 30s.

Ynyr appears on school photos on the Old Photos - Groups page.

Ynyr married Ceridwen and lived at Tegfan, Melin y Coed.

Above: Bob Williams, Gorsedd Grucyn

Above: The Evans Family of Fronwen in 1927 with Joe Williams,
Gorsedd Grucyn

Above Joe and Ynyr Gorsedd Grucyn on their way to chapel via
Fronwen, and Katie.

The resting place of Ynyr Philip Williams and his wife,
Ceridwen.

GLYN POSTMAN

by Ken Davies, Broadlands, Milford Common, Newtown, P

owys, SY16 3AR.

kenny@broadlands.orangehome.co.uk

“Cuckoo, cuckoo”. It was early March 1910. My grandfather Glyn
Postman allowed himself a wry smile as he approached a farm on his rural post
round. Glyn had done his annual cuckoo call, and he waited for the excited face
of the farmer as he rushed out to tell Glyn that he had just heard the first
cuckoo of the year.

Idwal Glyn Davies was born on the 13th June 1886, the son of
Edward and Ellen Davies, 3 School Bank Terrace, Llanrwst. He started work as a
postman in the early 1900s, and his first ever job was delivering letters and
parcels on foot in the Pandy Tudur area of Abergele. After his deliveries he
waited in a shed supplied by the Post Office until late afternoon, collecting
any letters at Pandy Tudur Post Office and post boxes in the area as he walked
back to Llanrwst, arriving around 7 o’clock in the evening.

His working day would start by meeting the 5 o’clock train from
Llandudno Junction with other postmen to collect post bags and bring them to
the Post Office for sorting on a two wheeled cart. The postmen would sort and
deliver the post to their respectIive areas.

Taid Llanrwst, as we called him, delivered around Melin y Coed,
Nant y Rhiw and Nant Bwlch yr Haearn. He walked 12 miles a day and during the
1950s his wage was only £2.10.0. (£2.50) for a 48 hour week.

Glyn received two uniforms a year, a great coat and a cloak to
keep himself and letters dry. The uniform was dark blue with a thin red strip
around the jacket and coat cuffs and a red line down the trousers. His hat was
unique as it had peaks at the front and back.

A whistle was supplied so that he could forewarn farmers of his
impending arrival. When calling at the home, Glyn would call “Oes ‘na bobol?”
(Anyone at home?), and would receive a reply “Dewch i mewn postman” (Come in
postman).

He generally had permission to cross fields, which gave him the
opportunity to share some local news, have sustenance and a cup of tea. Each
farm cared for a postman, supplying a breakfast of home cured bacon, eggs, fresh
butter and home made bread. Farmers were generous at Christmas with their tips.
Glyn would invariably return home with a pocket full of money.

Glyn sang second tenor with Llanrwst Male Voice Choir, and could
often be heard singing on his way to work and when delivering his letters.

During the First World War, he was attached to the Highland
Artillery as a 1st Class Signalman. He was one of thousands who faced chlorine
gas at Ypres.

He worked as a nightwatchman at Parc leadmines following his
retirement.

His father Edward was born in Llanarmon yn Ial around 1856, and
married Ellen Williams (born 16th November 1850). She was the daughter of
William Williams and Ellen Williams, nee Hughes, of Pentre Mawr, Capel Garmon.
Edward and Ellen had another three children in addition to Idwal Glyn; William
Edward Davies, Ellen Davies and Margaret Davies.

Edward, a lead miner at Nant Bwlch yr Haearn, was a successful
musician and choir master in the town. He could play from memory any music
which he had heard. Around 1888, Edward left home for America, with the
expectation that his family would follow. This did not happen. The last that
was heard of Edward was playing a piano in a Wild West saloon, in Idaho or
Idaho Springs. Rumour has it that he returned to this country, but did not go
back home. Edward’s grandson and Glyn’s son, T. Glynne Davies, wrote a Welsh
language novel, ‘Marged’, based on the family during that period. Ellen died
around 1936.

Glyn married Winifred Myfanwy Williams who was a daughter to
Thomas and Jane Williams, Gorsedd Grucyn, Nant y Rhiw, Llanrwst. Thomas was a
character and local poet. When discussing the possibility of a school in the
Nant y Rhiw area, he was told that there were not enough children to warrant
one. He demanded that a school be built, and he would supply the children! He
and his wife obliged by raising 18 children, and the school was built!

Glyn completed 43 years service with the Post Office, as did his
eldest son, my father, William Owen Davies who married Jean Roberts of
Dolgarrog. My brother Paul has continued the postal tradition, totalling some
110 years service. Glyn and Winifred also had two daughters, Glenys, who died
an infant, and Ceinwen. After his wife Winifred Myfanwy died, Glyn married Gwen
Williams who had a daughter Jean. They had two sons, David and Edward

I’m sure my grandfather’s spirit still roams the beautiful open
farmland around Llanrwst, and that he still smiles to himself when he hears the
first cuckoo. The real cuckoo, that is.

Many thanks to Ken Davies, Glyn's grandson, for that fascinating
story! See some of his photos on dolgellau.com and visit his website at
penmon.org

Annie Ceridwen Owen nee Evans (Fronwen) remembers Idwal Glyn
calling at Fronwen with the post. Her mother, Ellen Ann, used to give him a
drink of buttermilk. In the 1930s when Annie was working in Birmingham she
wrote a postcard home, which people did a lot in those days; a post card was
the quick and easy way to communicate. In the message she wrote that her mother
should give the postman some buttermilk, and Ellen Ann was "tickled to
death" when Glyn delivered the mail and told her that Annie wanted her to
give him some buttermilk. Annie also remembers his second wife, Gwen.

A blind man lived on his round. On one occasion he asked Glyn to
help him pick some apples from the trees in his orchard. Glyn gladly obliged.
When up the trees, Glyn couldn't understand why the blind man was continuously
asking him question, and Glyn queried this with him. He replied that if Glyn
was answering his questions, then he could tell that Glyn wasn't eating any of
the apples while he was up the trees.

Winifred Myfanwy passed away in 1947 with heart failure. Glyn
later married his housekeeper, Gwen, and they had two sons, David and Edward.
Gwen’s daughter Jean also lived with them.

Above: The sons of Idwal Glyn and Winifred Davies, William Owen
on the left, with Thomas Glynne on the right. Ken tells the story of Idwal Glyn
throwing some daisies into a stream when out collecting kindling in Coed y
Gwyllt with young Thomas. "Dad, they'll never come back," observed
young Tom. Glyn, telling Winifred about the incident, said, "Mae gennym ni
fardd fan hyn!” (We’ve got a bard here!) True enough, and T. Glynne Davies
(always Tom to his Llanrwst friends) went on to win the bardic crown (see
below).

Ken says about "Taid Llanrwst": I remember him staying
with us at Ivy House, Dolgellau in 1960 - I recall him singing hymns in his
sleep, and us as a family walking the Barmouth railway bridge over the Mawddach
Estuary.

Ken also writes:

On the 27th October 1961, Taid wrote the following letter to us
in Dolgellau.

Dear All,

Here are a few lines so that you will know that I'm better. I
really felt grand Wednesday apart from feeling rather giddy. I slept the best
part of yesterday, and today again, I feel better if only my legs would give me
better support. I dare not stoop at all, - strict orders.

Doctor Howarth called on me this morning, and will call at a
later date. He's really fine! and his green 'G' pills soothes me in a few
minutes. I'm also eating better today, and I was able to tackle a good sized
herring for today's dinner. I swallow 14 pills each day, 2 whites and 12
greens. If you will be writing to Ceinwen shortly, please inform her that I was
very glad to receive her letter this morning and I hope to write to her soon.

Jean and John have bought a house and things are passing through
Howel Jones' hands. John's mother told A.G. (Aunty Gwen, Glyn's second wife)
yesterday that the happy event will take place next March, Cofion, TAID.

Two days later, I can remember a policeman calling at our house
in Dolgellau and asking to speak to Dad in private. He came to inform us that
Taid had died on the 29th October 1961.

Above: This picture of Llanrwst Post Office staff was taken in
either the 1920's or 1930's. Idwal Glyn Davies is second from the left, middle
row. Other identified post men in the back row are Llew the Postman (second
left) and Oliver Bach (second right). Picture supplied to the Daily Post by Mr
William Parry Jones of Llanrwst.

Images of the old postmen's uniforms can be seen on
bebin.net/images/WHIBebin.jpg; postalheritage.org.uk/exhibitions/vapurch; etc.
The bathpostalmuseum.org says about the double peaked cap:

1896 Double Peaked Cap. In 1896 the cap which became known as
the 'shako' was introduced. The cap included a cloth covered peak at the back
as a protection from the rain and a drop front peak of glazed leather. The cap
was disliked in all quarters. A London newspaper described it as 'The ugliest
peaked fore-and-aft headgear ever'.

Above: Glyn Postman on the right (Mr Idwal Glyn Davies).

Ken also says: I'm going through a lot of old documents and came
across this newspaper cutting - it may be of interest. It was in May 1935 - I
don't know the paper, but it would have been the local Papur Bro.

OTTER KILLING - The other day while walking in the neighbourhood
of Capel Garmon Mr Idwal Glyn Davies, School Bank Terrace, postman, saw a young
bitch fighting a young otter on the bank of a stream on one of the fields of
Maes Madog. Mr Davies happened to have a thorn stick in his hand and getting
stealthily behind the otter he hit it twice, killing it. An otter is not often
observed far from its home territory, and it must have lost its way to the
river that joins the Conway not far from Llanrwst.

Above: June 9, 1951 - Wedding of William Owen Davies and Jean
Roberts of Dolgarrog at Capel Seion, Llanrwst.

Gorsedd Grucyn stands some three miles as the crow flies from
the town of Llanrwst, and it was part of the Cyffdy Estate until the time that
was broken up in the year 1917. It was bought by the tenant, Thomas Williams,
for £585 and there he lived for the rest of his life with Jane Williams his
wife, farming and raising one of the most numerous families of the
neighbourhood.

He would go to town and back on a pony and Jane Williams would
walk after him, a full basket on each arm - yet she somehow succeeded in
holding on to the mare's tail while climbing the hill for home. There are many
interesting tales about Thomas Williams and his period, and that story must be
known to nearly everybody wherein he tried to convince the education
authorities of his day that a school was needed in Nant y Rhiw. "You build
the school, and I will make sure there are children in it".

An old photo of Nant y Rhiw School.

One of those children was Joseph, who died a little before
Christmas 1991, twin to Mair and the only one of this exceptional family still
living. It is hard to speak of Jo without mentioning Bob his brother and Annie
at the same time, as they are the three who lived and farmed Gorsedd Grucyn
until the end of the year 1973, busy milking, taking milk to the road,
gathering the harvest, filling lofts, making haystacks, collecting rubbish and
collecting wood.

Jo was a very industrious man, simple and endearing. He would go
to town every Saturday night for a bit of fun with the boys, and consistently
made his way to Nant y Rhiw chapel in all weathers. He believed in ghosts and
told superstitious tales with relish; he took careful note of the phases of the
moon and the direction of the wind, being sagacious with signs of the weather.
In short, they were superb neighbours. What greater testimony can a man give?

Peace to his ashes and a wind full of longing to see his like
once again.

A week ago today we were enjoying your welcome in Gorsedd
Grycun, and many thanks to you.

The visit took me back sixty years, when I was spending a lot of
time in Gorsedd. If there was no need to muck out the cowshed and the stables,
I would be walking the fields, especially at the time of ploughing the Gorsedd
sheepwalk, when the lapwing was nesting.

The hen would walk yards before rising into the air so nobody
would know where the nest was, but if there were four eggs in the nest with
their pointed ends towards the middle I didn't touch them as the hen had
started hatching them. Nain used to fry lapwing eggs for me, and they were
delicious (a stronger taste than hens' eggs) with home baked bread and fresh
butter.

Another pleasure was catching moles with a trap and making sure
that I rubbed my hands in the soil, otherwise the mole would scent my body. By
making sure no light went into the hole I was sure of a mole by the morning.

Catching leverets (a leveret is a young hare, as you know) -
once I saw one I would give a cough, and the hare would freeze. Then walking
slowly behind her (a hare can only see to either side of her) and picking her
up and (chyflechu/try to hide?) before letting her go. Catching hares with a
snare in the hedge at the bottom of Gorsedd sheepwalk where the hare path led
through the hedge, setting the snare the length of a fist and a thumb to the
bottom of the snare (the length of a fist for a rabbit). Then Jo would sell
them for 2/6 in town . . .

Delightful days in Paradise, Dei?

By now we have settled in a small town where nothing moves but
the traffic.

Best wishes to you all, and thank you for your welcome.

Wil a Jean

(William Owen and Jean Davies)

(Translation: Rowena Evans)

Also from the Ken Davies collection comes this reminder of
precious leave during World War II.

William Owen Davies was born on the 15th March 1923 in Llanrwst,
the eldest of Idwal Glynne and Winifred Myfanwy Davies' four children.

Educated at Llanrwst Grammar School, he was a keen athlete,
winning the Victor Ludorum in 1939 and 1940 and runner up in 1938.

He played football and cricket for Llanrwst and once took 8
wickets for 38 runs.

He started work with Llanrwst Post Office in 1940 as a counter
clerk, where his father was a postman (see article 'Glyn Postman').

William was called up to the army in 1942. He recalled walking
to Llanrwst station following his call-up,to go training in Heath, Cardiff and
he could hear a Welsh song being played on all the radios as he passed houses
in Llanrwst - the song was "Rwyf innau'n filwr bychan, yn cychwyn ar fy
nhaith" (I am a little soldier, starting on my journey). He joined the 8th
Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. He enrolled in the battalion's Intelligence
Section, and learned about military aircraft of all countries.

Like many thousands of other soldiers, he landed on the beaches
of Arromanches during the D-Day landings. He was involved in establishing
suitable ground in France for tank warfare.

William landed at Arromanches on the 23rd June 1944. He put his
own life in danger near Caen, when he volunteered, as he was the only single
man in their group, to go into "no man's land" under heavy enemy fire
to fetch water. At one point he was in a shell hole with a boy from Blaenau
Ffestiniog, and decided to move to another hole. He was blown several yards
into the air by a German shell.

After the war, he rejoined the Post Office.

In 1951, he married Jean Roberts, daughter of Owen John and
Sarah Michell Roberts of Dolgarrog. Jean worked for David Thomas, Solicitor in
Llanrwst. They raised two son, Ken and Paul.

William enjoyed writing children's stories and poetry. Several
of his stories were broadcast on the radio in the 1950's. "Helyntion Wili
Draenog" and "Lalws" (actually based on a cat who once lived at
Gorsedd!) were later published and distributed throughout Welsh schools.

He won chairs in Eisteddfodau; Holywell in 1954 and Llansawel,
Carmarthenshire, in 1974. His poetry was published in his book "Cerddi
Tair Tref".

He was appointed Postmaster in Dolgellau in 1960, and was given
a double promotion to Llandeilo in 1970, where he worked until his retirement
in 1983.

Throughout these times, wife Jean gave him tremendous support.

They loved and had great interest in their sons Ken and Paul,
and their wives Marian and Teresa. Their grand daughters Kim, Rhian, Sarah,
Rebecca and Bethany were a shining light to them and they loved to share in the
successes of their schoolwork.

William took a great interest in the news of the wider family
areas, and they loved their annual visits to "yr hen gynefin". (See
letter to Dei Bryniog in 1999)

William passed away on the 30th November 2002, and Jean still
lives in Llandeilo.

The following words are taken from a reference written for him
by The Reverend John Jones M.A. in 1940.

"He is of an unblemished character, worthy of all trust and
confidence. He will give of his best". How very true those words were. He
was also a very kind, generous person, who would willingly help anyone who had
a problem.

He is greatly missed.

Visitors! W. O. Davies and family visiting Gorsedd Grucyn in
1999 on one of their regular trips to the old neighbourhood, a week before he
wrote the letter above to Dei Bryniog.

GORSEDD GRUCYN OR GRYCUN?

Ken says: Dad explained this to me. We always used to spell it
Grycun and it was known as such. However, Dei Bryniog has renamed it to the
original spelling of "Grucyn". I cannot for the life of me find out
who Grucyn is (or Crucyn without the mutation perhaps). So, you could argue
both are correct, depending on which period we're talking about.

Dad could remember the names of all the fields at Gorsedd -
there was one field where the grass was particularly good; neighbouring farmers
used to graze their sickly cattle/sheep on it to aid recovery. Sadly Dad never
got round to listing them for me, but I have some names - Cae Nant, Ffridd yr
Orsedd, Waen Fawr, Ffridd Maes, and Ffridd Bryniog

One thing Dad did for me was to draw a map of old Llanrwst - named
all the streets as they were in the old days - it's a masterpiece on about
three pages I think. Dad also wrote a lot of poetry and had a book published.
None of the poems were based on his experiences, or farming life at Gorsedd
unfortunately.

Above: Outbuilding at Gorsedd Grucyn.

T. GLYNNE DAVIES

Tom was a 'scream' to be with - absolutely superb sense of
humour. I wish I had known Uncle Tom a lot better. I remember him telling me
how he knew people who knew him from his Llanrwst days, when he became famous
as a radio presenter. Anyone who called him "Tom" was from
"home", and he would say " A sut mae pethau yn ochrau
Llanrwst?" He would never say this to anyone who called him
"Glynne".

I remember Uncle Tom interviewing the Beatles (interview can
heard on the BBC Wales Radio Website) when Maharishi Mahesh Yogi went to
Bangor. I was a Rolling Stones fan at the time, and I asked him what he thought
of the pop stars he'd interviewed. He told me that they were all "big
kids" apart from Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), who treated him with respect
and was a perfect gentleman, and answered all his questions civilly - a bit
different to Mick Jagger's image.

Uncle Tom and Anti Mair were extremely supportive to us as a
family when Dad was very ill during the 60's. I'll never forget that.

T. Glynne Davies wearing the crown he won In Llanrwst National
Eisteddfod, 1951.

FROM THE DAILY POST:

JOURNALIST IS CROWN BARD

Winning poem took him a year to compose

YOUTH HOLDS THE STAGE AT NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD

FROM A "DAILY POST" REPORTER

LLANRWST, Tuesday

In this town where he was born twenty-five years ago, Mr. T
Glynne Davies, a Machynlleth journalist, was today crowned Bard of the 1951
National Eisteddfod and received the adulation of a crowd of more than 15,000
people from all parts of the world.

The crowning ceremony was performed with all the ritual which is
becoming increasingly associated with Gorsedd activities under the direction of
the present Archdruid, Cynan, who has already been hailed elsewhere as a master
of pageantry.

An innavation was introduced to the ceremony when the ornate
banner of the Gorsedd of Bards was brought on to the stage. Surrounded by its
escort it remained spot-lighted on the stage while the Gorsedd procession,
headed by Erfyl Fychan (Recorder), Trfin (sword bearer) and Cynan made its way
from the rear of the pavilion and assembled around it. It made a grand
background for the ceremony.

Trumpet Fanfare

Before the members began filing into the pavilion, trumpeters of
the Welsh Guards at the rear of the stage sounded a fanfare, to which reply
came echoing down the huge hall from other trumpeters at the rear entrance.

After Caerwyn, the octogenarian poet and Eisteddfod conductor,
had pronounced the Gorsedd prayer, the Archdruid summoned Professor T. H.
Parry-Williams to deliver the adjudication on this year's Crown poem, on behalf
of himself and his co-adjudicators, Mr Gwilym R. Jones and Mr J. M. Edwards.

The choice of subjects for the Crown poem lay between
"Llywelyn Fawr" and "Adfeilion" (Ruins).

Twenty nine poems were received said Professor Parry -Williams,
three of them on the first subject and twenty-six on the second. Out of this
unusually large number of entries no fewer than six poems were regarded as
outstanding and in some respects worthy of being awarded the Crown.

So high was the standard this year that Professor Parry-Williams
was constrained to remark: "I hope that six or more of these poems can be
published in book form so that the country can know which way the wind is
blowing".

The successful poet, who used his father's first name, Idwal, as
nom-de-plume, is a native of Llanrwst, his father being Mr I Glynne Davies; his
home being in School Bank Terrace.

Above: Ken says - "Dad and Mam by the Eisteddfod Stone
Circle with TGD's memorial slate; his ashes are scattered near here."

Tom died in 1988. His ashes were scattered by the Gorsedd Stones
near the bridge in Llanrwst.

A plaque lies on the wall of his birthplace, 64 Denbigh Street,
placed

by the then Mayoress, Cllr Patricia Williams.

Tom and Mair have four sons. Gareth Glyn, a broadcaster and
composer, lives in Anglesey. Geraint is a hearing specialist and singer with Ar
Log, and lives in the Conway Valley. Aled, until recently, was head of BBC
Radio Cymru and is now a programme production consultant in Cardiff. Owen has
his own company and tours around the schools with his educational programmes.
He lives near his mother Mair in the Caernarfon area. All are married with
children.

Here is another account of part of the family by Ken Davies as
it appeared on penmon.org - used here with permission:

THOMAS AND ELIZABETH DAVIES

Thomas Davies 50, was born around 1791 as was his wife Elizabeth,
50. They are my great, great, great grandparents. In 1841, they lived at Ty
Coch, Pant Isa, Llanfihangel with two of their sons, Daniel aged 20 working as
an agricultural labourer as indeed was his father and Simon, 20, who was a
slater. Simon was christened on the 10th June 1820. Ages in the 1841 census
were rounded to the nearest 5 years.

Thomas and Elizabeth's other son Edward, my great, great
grandfather who was born about 1823, was not living at home at the time.

Simon, Edward's brother had moved to live at Rhiw Yale in 1851
and had married Mary 27. They had four children Thomas 5, Jane 4, John 2 and
Edward 4 months old. Simon was now a slater and plasterer.

Ten years on, in 1861, Simon and his family had moved to live in
the village of Llanarmon yn Ial. Wife Mary was 37, and children Thomas 15, Jane
14, John 12, Edward 10, Elizabeth 8, Isaac 6, Louise 2 and the very young Mary,
who was only a day old. An additional member of the household was Simon's
brother Edward's son, also Edward, my great grandfather. Edward was 5 years
old.

Simon continued to live in Llanarmon. In 1871 he was 50, living
with wife Mary 47, son Thomas 25, Edward 20, William 5 and Simon 3. Ten years
on, Simon 60 and Mary 57 had only daughter Jane living with them.

By 1891, Mary had died, leaving Simon a widower aged 60, with
daughter Jane 34, now caring for him.

EDWARD AND MARGARET DAVIES

By 1871, Edward, now 15, had gone to live with parents Edward
Davies, 48, born in Llanarmon, and Margaret Davies, 44, my great, great
grandparents. Edward senior was farming 10 acres at Pendiau (?), Llywarch
Parish, Llanarmon. and his wife Margaret was from Cerrigydrudion. Their
daughter Margaret, 12, was also locally born and living at home.

Edward married Ellen Williams of Pentre Mawr

Edward was born in Llanarmon yn Ial, and married Ellen Williams
of Pentre Mawr, Capel Garmon. He worked as a lead miner at Nant Bwlch yr
Haearn, and was also a choirmaster in Llanrwst. The lived at 3 School Bank
Terrace.

The 1881 census shows the family consisting on Edward, 25,
working as a miner, wife Ellen, 30, and children William Edward, 3, and
Margret, 1, both born in Llanrwst. John Owen, 23, a joiner from Llangerniew,
was lodging with them.

Edward left for America and the intention was for the rest of
the family to follow. I've established from shipping records that an Edward
Davies left home for America, arriving there on the 24th February 1890, having
sailed on the City of Chester ship.

Ellen, 40 at the 1891 census, has no employment recorded against
her name. Edward could have been sending money home. Son William Edward, 13,
was a scholar, Margaret is not recorded as living at home, Ellen Maud was 7 and
my grandfather, Idwal Glyn, 4 years old.

Edward corresponded with home for a while and then communication
ceased. He was last heard of playing a piano either in Idaho or Idaho Springs.
News may have filtered through from America that he had died, or alternatively
he was legally assumed as dead, as the family had not heard from him for
sometime, because in the 1901 census for 3 School Bank Terrace, Ellen, 50, is
recorded as a widow.

Son William Edward Davies, 23, was working as railway goods
clerk, Ellen Maud Davies, 17, was a milliner, and Idwal Glyn Davies, 14, was
employed as a labourer in a mineral works. Helping Ellen make ends meet was
boarder John T Jones 20 a plasterer and slater.

Ellen and family stayed in Llanrwst. A rumour exists that he may
have returned to this country, but never returned home. His grandson T. Glynne
Davies wrote a Welsh language novel called Marged, which was based on Ellen and
her family.

EDWARD AND ELLEN'S CHILDREN.

William Edward Davies was also a choirmaster at Llanrwst and
later worked as a Manager with Pearl Assurance. He and his wife Mary Ellen
Clarke Davies had four children; Edward Clarke Davies, Mary Clarke Davies,
Beryl Clarke Davies, Arthur Clarke Davies and William Clarke Davies. They lived
at Hillgrove, Abergele Road, Llanrwst.

Margaret Davies was born around 1880, and was living at home
during the 1881 census. She was not living there during the two following
censuses. She suffered with a club foot and went to work as a seamstress in
Liverpool. She remained unmarried and is buried in Capel Seion.

Ellen Maud Davies (Aunty Nellie) was born around 1884. She
married William Wilson and became a shopkeeper at Carlton, Denbigh Street,
Llanrwst. The couple had three sons, Cecil, Bob and Norman.

Idwal Glyn Davies was my grandfather

(Thanks to Ken Davies for all the above insights into the
Gorsedd Grucyn family and for sharing his memories and mementos with us. Thanks
also to Richard Bryn Jones for the following history of William Williams, the
elder brother of Thomas Williams)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

WILLIAM WILLIAMS (originally of Tan y Graig)

Thomas Williams’ older brother was William Williams, the oldest
son of Owen Williams of Tan y Graig and Gorsedd Grucyn (SH 832595).

The census of 1851 shows William living with the family, but by
1861 he had moved away and was possibly working at Llwynsaint farm near
Gwytherin.

William Williams married Ellen Hughes on 13th May 1871 in the
Seion Chapel (Calvinistic Methodist), Station Road, Llanrwst. The marriage
certificate records that William Williams of Henfodnant, Eglwysfach, was aged
26 and Ellen Hughes of Gwyndy, Eglwysfach, was aged 25.

William's father is shown as Owen Williams, a farmer, Ellen's
father as William Hughes, also a farmer. Their witnesses were Price Jones and
Catherine Williams, likely William’s sister. She signed with her mark.

In the 1871 census, William Williams is shown as an agricultural
labourer living in Old Bodnod near to Bodnod Hall. Bodnod Hall was occupied by
William Hanmer who became a baronet. It was located on the Aberconway estate of
which the famous Bodnant Gardens are now part. Old Bodnod still appears on the
current map; Henfodnant is its rough equivalent in Welsh. The name of the
farmer in 1871 was Owen Jones. The most recent occupant was Lady Rose McClaren,
whose history may be viewed at the following web page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Rose_McLaren . The McLaren
family also owned Bryn Rhudd, farmed by ancestors of Dilys Grace Austin nee
Jones, the maternal grandmother of Richard Bryn Jones, who has done the
research for William’s history.

Gwyndy, where Ellen Hughes was living with her aunt in 1871,
still stands, just a mile away from Old Bodnod.

Ellen's parents were William and Ann Hughes; Ann was born in
about 1816 in Llangwstenin near Mochdre, and William was born around1800 in
Llansantffraid. William worked as an agricultural labourer. They had two
daughters, both born near Is-glan on the Flintshire. Ellen was also known as
Eleanor or Ellenor in some records.

Above: Llwydcoed Isa

In the 1881 census, William's family is recorded as living at
Llwydcoed Isa, a farm in the hills above Colwyn Bay and Mochdre. Llwydcoed Isa
is still a working farm in good condition. The family consisted of William, 35,
born in Llanrwst, a farmer of 75 acres employing two men, Eleanor, 35, his
wife, born at Llanerch-y-mor, Winifred, 7, their daughter, William O, aged 3,
Dinah, aged 2, and Anne, aged 3 months. The children were all born at Llwydcoed
Isaf.

In the 1891 census, the Williams family is living with the
Salisbury family in Scarisbrick House, Abergele Road, Conway. William, working
as a Head Carter, was now 45 and Ellen 44, was recorded as having been born in
Whitford. Daughter Winifred was now 17, Dinah 14, Annie 10 and son Robert 7.
Elizabeth was 4, Mary 3, and Thomas 1. All children were recorded as having
been born in Colwyn Bay.

In nearby Lawson Road stands the Welsh Presbyterian Chapel,
Bethlehem, where William and Ellen's daughter Elizabeth Ellen Williams and
Richard Jones were married in 1910.

Their son William O, who in 1891 would have been 13, is living
at Gwern Tyno farm (also referred to as Wern Dyno), just to the south of Colwyn
Bay on the Nant-y-Glyn Road, working for Thomas Evans (b. 1851) and his wife
Elizabeth (b. 1855). Wern Dyno is fairly close to Llwydcoed Isaf farm on the
Nant-y-Glyn Road.

The other family living in spacious Scarisbrick House is
surnamed Salisbury. The wife (Elizabeth) was born in Llanrwst in 1855 so there
may be a connection with William; the Salisbury children were also born in
Llanrwst. Salisbury is a name in Llanrwst that dates back to the 17th century
at least. Edward is to be found lodging in Ffestiniog in 1881; he was working
as a stonemason as he is in 1891. He came originally from Llanasa in Flintshire.
He is not to be found in 1901.

There is a record of the death of a William Williams aged 52 in
1898 registered in Conway. This may well be our William.

In the 1901 census, the Willliams family is living in Grove
Park, Colwyn Bay, a road of Victorian villas to the south of Abergele Road near
The Dingle. By 1901, Ellen/Elinor is a widow and living with Winifred, 27,
William, 23, a general carter, Dinah, 22, a dressmaker, Annie, 20, Robert 17,
working as a greengrocer, Elizabeth, 14, Mary, 13, and Thomas, 11. All the
children are noted as speaking both Welsh and English.

Of the five daughters of William and Ellen, only Nellie
(Elizabeth Ellen) and Mary married. The boys were Robert Henry, Thomas William,
and William Owen. Thomas was killed in action during WWI. William Owen had two
sons, Trevor and Ritchie, and a daughter, Gwyneth.

William and Ellen’s youngest daughter, Mary Catherine, married a
tailor, Jack (probably Williams, probably born in Penrhyndeudraeth), and they
emigrated to the United States and lived in Chicago. After retiring, they
returned to Old Colwyn, and Mary was a witness ata Nellie’s wedding in 1910.

At the time of Nellie's wedding, the family was living at 17
Greenfield Road, Colwyn Bay.

William's younger sister Jane also moved from Gorsedd Grucyn to
nearby Bryniog, Grove Park, Colwyn Bay, where she died aged 68 on January 14th
1916 as Mrs Jane Edwards. A poetical tribute was written in her memory by
brother Thomas Williams 'Grucyn', and appears in the 'Penillion Thomas Williams'
link on this website, recalling their Tan y Graig days

Thomas Williams 1890-1918

Thomas Williams was the youngest of William's children. He
served and died in the 1st World War.

Thomas was a private in the 6th Battalion of the East Kent
Regiment who are nicknamed "The Buffs". He enlisted in the Buffs as
an early volunteer during the first week of September 1914. He was posted to
the 8th Battalion but for some reason didn't go overseas with them in 1915. At
some stage he transferred to the 6th Battalion.

He died on 9th August 1918, likely at the Battle of Amiens.
Amiens is in Picardy, North West France. The 6th Battalion of the Buffs became
part of the 37th Brigade which was itself part of the 12th (Eastern) Division,
one of the Kitchener's Army divisions raised from volunteers by Lord Kitchener.
It fought on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War.

Thomas is buried in France at Franvillers; it is a village and district
in the Department of the Somme, and stands on high ground above the River Ancre
across the river from the scene of the battle in which Thomas fell.

More particulars of these events appear in Bryn Jones’ account
on the Penmon site.

Elizabeth Ellen (Nellie) Jones nee Williams was born on 28th
July 1886. She married Richard R Jones on 1st December 1910 at the Bethlehem
Chapel, Lawson Road, Colwyn Bay. Richard died in 1938 at the age of 62 and
Nellie died in Chester on 25th July 1974 aged 87 years, having lived in Vicar's
Cross, Chester since about 1914..

Nellie is buried in Handbridge Cemetery, Chester. Her death was
reported in the local newspaper in Chester.

After their marriage, Nellie and Richard lived briefly in
Ffestiniog, probably at 28 The Square. Their sons David Cyril and Emyr Wynn
were born there. In 1914 the family moved to Devonia, Vicar's Cross Road,
Chester. Their only daughter, Elinor, born in 1923, still lives in the house -
now a very lively lady in her eighties.

Richard worked in insurance for Pearl and General, rising by the
time of his death to become insurance superintendent. Their sons were David
Cyril, born in 1911, Emyr Wynn born in 1913, Mervyn, born in1916, W Arthur born
in 1918, Ifor born in 1920, and Vincent, born in 1922, all born in Chester
except for the first two. Elinor was also born in Chester.

Below is an extract from the Chester Chronicle during World War
II

CHESTER FAMILY'S FINE RECORD

Brothers Cyril, Emyr, Mervyn, Arthur, Ivor and Vincent

Mrs Jones, widow of Mr Richard Jones, Devinia, 120 Vicar's
Cross, has six sons, five of whom are in the Forces. Her only daughter is also
on War work.

Cyril (31), her oldest son, is an aero engine inspector at an
aircraft factory. Before the war, he was employed by Brookhirst Switengear
Ltd., Last week he volunteered for the Home Guard.

Emyr (29) a private in the Argyles, has been in the Army for
three years and is now with the First Army in North Africa. He was wounded on
March 3rd this year. He was formerly employed in the Frodsham-street branch of
the Chester Co-operative Society.

Mervyn (26), a telegraphist in the Royal Navy has been serving
for two and a half years and was formerly employed by the local branch of
Messrs George Mason's and afterwards with the firm in Yorkshire.

Arthur (24) is a corporal in the R.E.M.E. and was called up with
the Militia in May 1939. He was sent to France at Christmas, was in the Dunkirk
evacuation and was drafted overseas. He was formerly employed as an electrician
at the Grosvenor Hotel, having served his apprenticeship with Messrs F. J.
Jones electricians.

Ivor (22), a gunner, has been in the Royal Artillery for two
years. He is now overseas. He served his apprenticeship at Brookhirst
Switchgear Ltd..

Vincent (20), the youngest, has been on the ground staff of the
R.A.F. for two years. He was formerly employed by Messrs Barretts, Foregate
Street.

The daughter, Elinor, who is 19, is employed in the office of an
aircraft factory.

FUNERAL OF MRS E. E. JONES

The death occurred on the 25th July of Mrs Elizabeth Ellen
Jones, aged 87 of Devonia, 120 Vicar's Cross Road, Chester. She is survived by
six sons and a daughter.

A member of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Chester since 1914,
she took great interest in all its activities. She was a former President of
the Ladies' Guild and often competed in the local Eisteddfod. Her hobbies
included dressmaking, needlework and embroidery.

The funeral took place on Tuesday, when a service at St John
Street Presbyterian Church was conducted by Rev Rhys ab Ogwen Jones and Rev
Meirion Philips.

Emyr Wynn Jones married Violet May Austin of Llansantffraid Glyn
Ceiriog in April 1948. They had three children and lived in Chester. The eldest
child was Richard Bryn Jones (researcher of this history) born 1949. T; twins
Emrys Evan and Dilys Elizabeth were born in 1950.

Richard Bryn married Sandra Titley of Trench Telford in 1971 and
had two children, Gareth Richard and Geraint Paul. They now live in Bishop
Burton in East Yorkshire where Bryn manages the village web site www.bishopburton.org.uk (click for link)

Gareth lives in Nottingham. Paul lives in Soest, Holland with
his Dutch wife, Seppina Boodt and their three children.

Emrys married Carol Ellis and they have three children; all
living in Flintshire, North Wales.

Dilys married Tom Halford; they live in Calgary, Canada and have
two sons